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<\/p>\nStakeholders from Ebute-Metta West in Lagos Mainland Local Government have intensified calls for justice, equity, and political inclusion, decrying what they describe as over two decades of marginalization in elective positions, particularly in the House of Representatives, since Nigeria\u2019s return to democratic rule in 1999.<\/p>\n
Stakeholders, political actors, and community leaders in Ebute-Metta West have formally raised concerns over what they termed sustained political exclusion, urging leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and key government figures to address the imbalance ahead of the 2027 general elections.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Speaking during a stakeholders\u2019 forum, a political activist and indigene of the community, Mr. Dapo Williams, said the agitation is rooted in the principles of fairness, justice, and equity within the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency.<\/p>\n
According to him, the constituency is divided into two\u2014Constituency I (Yaba), which comprises four wards, and Constituency II, which includes seven wards covering Ebute-Metta East and West. He noted that Yaba has dominated representation at the House of Representatives for about 20 years, despite having fewer wards.<\/p>\n
Williams further argued that while Ebute-Metta East has previously produced representatives, Ebute-Metta West has never had the opportunity to occupy the seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we are saying is simple\u2014justice, fairness, and equity. Ebute-Metta West deserves a chance to represent Lagos Mainland at the federal level,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
He emphasized that the area has consistently delivered significant electoral support for the ruling party over the years and should not continue to be excluded from the political reward system.<\/p>\n
Also speaking, a former councillor and community leader, Hon. Samson Sambakiu, described the situation as undemocratic, warning against imposition of candidates.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want dictatorship. We want fairness. Party leaders must listen to the people and do what is right,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Sambakiu added that the call reflects the collective position of residents and party stakeholders who believe the time has come for inclusiveness in the political structure of Lagos Mainland.<\/p>\n
Another speaker, Engr. Oladipo Alade Falase, echoed similar sentiments, describing the agitation as a long-standing demand dating back to 1999. He noted that despite Ebute-Metta West\u2019s contributions to electoral victories\u2014from the days of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) through the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), to the APC\u2014the area has remained largely excluded from elective and appointive positions.<\/p>\n
A review of political offices in Lagos Mainland presented at the forum showed that key positions\u2014including Local Government Chairman, House of Assembly member, and House of Representatives seats\u2014have predominantly been occupied by individuals from Yaba and Ebute-Metta East over the past 27 years.<\/p>\n
The stakeholders described this trend as a \u201crecurring imbalance\u201d in the political equation of the local government.<\/p>\n
They specifically pointed out that following the completion of the current House of Representatives tenure in 2027, Yaba would have held the position for a cumulative 20 years, while Ebute-Metta West would still have no representation.<\/p>\n
Consequently, the group unanimously endorsed Prince Abdul Akeem Omolaja Animashaun, a legal practitioner and indigene of Ebute-Metta West, as their preferred candidate for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency seat in 2027.<\/p>\n
They described Animashaun as \u201cyoung, articulate, vibrant, and compassionate,\u201d expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver effective representation.<\/p>\n
The stakeholders also issued an appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the APC State Chairman, and members of the Governor\u2019s Advisory Council (GAC) to intervene and ensure equitable distribution of political opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not just about politics; it is about correcting a historical imbalance and giving every section a sense of belonging,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
The forum concluded with a renewed call for party leaders to prioritise inclusiveness and uphold democratic values in candidate selection processes ahead of the next election cycle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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